Search Freestyle Adventure Travel

Search this website

Northwest Passage

Itinerary Map

This itinerary takes you through the Northwest Passage, a sea route connecting the northern Atlantic and Pacific Ocean through the Arctic Ocean. You will visit the West coast of Greenland as well as various islands of the north Canadian archipelago, witness impressive icebergs and glaciers as well as marvel at the wildlife and history.

Norwegian Vikings sailed as far north and west as Ellesmere Island, Skraeling Island and Ruin Island for hunting expeditions and trading with the Inuit. The desire to establish a commercial sea route motivated much of the European exploration of the coasts of North America. The belief that a route lay to the far north persisted for several centuries and led to numerous expeditions into the Arctic. Many ended in disaster, including that by Sir John Franklin in 1845. While searching for him the McClure Arctic Expedition discovered the Northwest Passage in 1850. In 1906, the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen first successfully completed a passage from Greenland to Alaska in the sloop Gjøa.

Length of Travel: 13-17 Days

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1: Fly from Canada* to port of depature**. Embarkation.
Day 2-3: Cruise around the west coast of Greenland.
Days 4-5: Cross Baffin Bay.
Days 6-12: Cruise east visiting islands.
Day 13: Disembarkation**. Fly to Canada*.

Longer trips give you more opportunities to explore fjords of the Northwest Passage.

* Charter flight from Edmonton or Ottawa, Canada

**port of departure/disembarkation varies with company and dates. Possible ports: Cambridge Bay and Resolute, Canada or Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

* Special Notes

Some trips run Greenland to Canada, others Canada to Greenland, though charter flights all leave/return to Canada.

The 17day trip have the following mandatory transfer package (additional cost):
- One night’s pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation in Ottawa with breakfast
- Charter flights
- Transfers to and from the ship; between the aiport and hotel

Detailed Itinerary

|

Day 1

Your adventure begins. You will fly from Canada your port of embarkation. Your ship will set sail this evening. As you settle into your cabin, your ship will head northwards.

Day 4-5

It’s time to head east. Your crossing of Baffin Bay towards Canada will depend on the weather and ice conditions. During your crossing be sure to watch out for several whale species, birds, and seals. Expect to be entertained by lectures onboard or take this time to relax with your shipmates.

Day 6-12

Your ship will now wind its way east through several islands. The ice and wildlife conditions will guide your explorations of these Canadian islands. You will learn about Inuit history in the town of Pond Inlet. Lancaster Sound and Prince Leopold Island will provide plentiful opportunities for wildlife viewings. Polar bears, birds, and beluga whales abound. Your adventures will continue to overlap with parts of the lost Franklin Expedition. The crew will help you learn all that you want to know about the history.

Day 13

Your adventure ends in a small town of the Northwest Passage, for example Cambridge Bay which is an important fishing village. You might be able to see remains from the ill-fated expedition. After learning some Inuit history, you will fly from here back to Canada.

Did You Know?

Antarctica is the highest, driest, windiest, emptiest, coldest place on earth.

People Are Saying

"Antarctica was mind blowing, I have fallen in love with the place. The ship & everyone on it, passengers and staff, were brilliant and really added to the whole experience. Thank you for all your help and hard work to make it possible!" –Victoria Bradshaw, aboard the Sea Adventurer, 2013 (UK)